($751+) Ontario, CA to Tacoma, WA Movers
The cost to move from Ontario, CA to Tacoma, WA ranges from $1,163 to $8,635, with an average cost of $3,150. Moves can be as low as $751 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,140 miles and usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Ontario, CA to Tacoma, WA
Moving options from Ontario to Tacoma fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,163 - $8,635 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,150, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 71% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,140 miles and typically takes 2 to 8 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,140-mile route from Ontario to Tacoma, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,163 - $4,894, container $1,191 - $2,294, rental truck $708 - $1,294, freight trailer $1,051 - $2,105.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,731 - $5,965, container $1,612 - $3,070, rental truck $788 - $1,652, freight trailer $1,265 - $2,605.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,493 - $8,635, container $2,159 - $4,057, rental truck $981 - $1,992, freight trailer $1,710 - $3,180.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Ontario, CA to Tacoma, WA
Full-service movers for the 1,140-mile relocation from Ontario, California, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,163 and $8,635. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $362 - $2,412, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Ontario typically charge a base rate around $248 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Ontario to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $4,894
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,731 - $5,965
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,493 - $8,635
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Ontario to Tacoma.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Ontario, CA to Tacoma, WA
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Ontario movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Tacoma, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $603 - $6,030 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC | $241 - $1,447/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $362 - $2,894 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,206 - $3,618 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,015 - $12,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $903 - $1,716 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Golden Eagle Moving, LLC | $1,206 - $3,015 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $965 - $4,221 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling11% of local movers | $362 - $1,809 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $784 - $2,412 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $362 - $18,090+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $362 - $4,221+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Ontario to Tacoma?
Washington Movers Conference membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Washington, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Ontario, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Ontario, CA to Tacoma, WA
Moving containers from Ontario, California, to Tacoma, Washington, cost between $1,191 and $4,057. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Ontario runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ontario to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,191 - $2,294
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,612 - $3,070
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,159 - $4,057
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $90 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $181 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $844 in Ontario, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Tacoma, WA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Washington move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,191. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,612 - $3,070.
What are the best moving containers Ontario to Tacoma?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Ontario to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Ontario:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ontario, CA to Tacoma, WA
Truck rentals from Ontario, California, to Tacoma, Washington, range from $708 - $1,992 for the 1,140-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $437 - $500
- Daily insurance: $36/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
- Ontario daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Ontario to Tacoma based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $708 - $1,294
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $788 - $1,652
- 4+ bedrooms: $981 - $1,992
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $708 - $1,992 when pricing out a rental truck from Ontario to Tacoma. Fuel alone runs $437 - $500, and overnight lodging ($181/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $437 - $500 for the 1,140-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Ontario, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $844.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,140-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $181 per night, adding $362 - $543 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $60 and $362.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Ontario to Tacoma?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Ontario, CA to Tacoma, WA
For larger DIY moves from Ontario, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Tacoma, Washington.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,265 and $2,605.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ontario to Tacoma:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,051 - $2,105
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,265 - $2,605
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,710 - $3,180
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Ontario, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $844.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $90 - $181 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Ontario to Tacoma?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Ontario, CA vs Tacoma, WA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Ontario and Tacoma to plan around. Cost of living index: 119 vs. 123. Average rent: $2,619/mo vs. $1,650/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 48 vs. 54. Safety index: 49.75 vs. 44.45.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tacoma, WA to Ontario, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Washington, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 1,154 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,140-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,140-mile route from Ontario, CA, to Tacoma, WA, run $1,163 - $8,635 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,191 - $4,057, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $708 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,731, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Joint Base Lewis-McChord and MultiCare Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Ontario, CA, to Tacoma, WA
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Ontario?
Local movers based in Ontario typically start around $248 as a base rate, plus $110/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Tacoma run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Washington?
Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies.
What are the best neighborhoods in Tacoma?
For families, North End and West End are worth a look in Tacoma. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central, Eastside-Enact, and North End tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Tacoma?
Tacoma has a walkability score of 54 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 48 and 46 in Ontario. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Ontario movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Ontario handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.